Wandayi: No Fuel Shortage, more shipments on the way

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has assured Kenyans that the country has adequate fuel reserves, even as concerns grow over supply disruptions and rising pump prices.

Appearing before the National Assembly’s Energy Committee on Monday, April 13, 2026, Wandayi dismissed fears of a nationwide shortage, stating that current stocks are sufficient to meet demand for several days.

“I want to assure Kenyans that there is no shortage of fuel. As of today, we have 183,318 cubic metres of petrol and 152,750 cubic metres of diesel, enough to last us for many days. More shipments are also on the way,” he told lawmakers.

The CS attributed reports of shortages in some areas to the actions of oil market players rather than a lack of national supply.

“There is no shortage of fuel in the country. If there is any shortage, it has been caused by oil market players,” he said.

His remarks come amid increased scrutiny of oil marketing companies, with the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority stepping up enforcement against firms suspected of hoarding fuel and manipulating supply chains.

Earlier in April, EPRA revealed it had received complaints that some marketers were withholding fuel from independent retailers in anticipation of higher prices.

Preliminary findings indicated that certain companies restricted sales to non-franchised dealers, a practice the regulator termed unlawful under the Petroleum Act.

The authority also flagged cases where wholesale prices exceeded regulatory caps, worsening supply challenges and fuelling consumer anxiety.

On procurement concerns, Wandayi addressed questions surrounding a controversial fuel consignment, explaining that it had been initiated through technical recommendations before raising red flags.

“Procurement of the consignment was recommended by a technical committee. The PS approved it in his wisdom. On March 30, it emerged that this consignment came out of G2G, and I moved swiftly and briefed the President. His Excellency advised me to stop the second vessel, which was coming in,” he said.

Wandayi emphasised the need for proper authorisation in such transactions, noting that any deviation from established procedures should be escalated for higher approval.

“Such a deviation should require a higher approval. The approval of the CS was not sought. If it did, I would have escalated to the President,” he added.

On fuel pricing, the CS urged Kenyans to remain patient ahead of the regulator’s next review, assuring that the disputed consignment would not influence pump prices.

“We cannot pre-empt what EPRA will announce tomorrow. Take it from me, the cost of this consignment will not be factored. We ask Kenyans to be patient and wait to see the measures the government has taken to cushion them,” he said.

Meanwhile, EPRA acknowledged that some regions, including Nairobi and Machakos, have experienced temporary shortages, leading to long queues at petrol stations. The regulator attributed the situation partly to panic buying, even as inspections confirmed that most stations still had fuel while a few awaited resupply.

Authorities say ongoing enforcement measures and stable national reserves are expected to restore confidence in the fuel supply chain and prevent artificial shortages and price manipulation.